Come along take a ride on the Fantastic Voyage
Welcome to our August 2013 REGGAEMANIA EVENTS — We present to you a look through the lens of past August 2013 Reggae-Dancehall Events that took place the Toronto and surrounding areas. See event Flyers, Reviews, Videos and Pics, and listen/download our Audio Podcasts.
This SSF show featured MADD SQUAD Sound with DJ Frazah C-Lection, and Kafinal performing live… Madd Squad is an internationally renowned and ranked Dancehall Sound that is going through some changes as of
late. One of which includes the expansion of the Sound in Toronto with talented selector, Frazah C-Lection at the controls. On this night, Frazah proved that he can indeed hold his own, especially when it comes to new opportunities coming his way. LP International just recruited Polly Famous from King Klepto, now, Frazah C-Lection was chosen to represent the Canadian chapter of Madd Squad Sound – a Jamaican-based Sound. Foreign Sounds are looking to dominate the market with newer talent – young selectors.
Madd Squad juggled 45’s for most of the show, entertaining listeners with music that they say, ‘had a right’ to play – everything they played on 45 was music that their production company produced. Madd Squad is primarily a ‘juggling’ Sound, despite selector Striker taking on a few clashes here and there.
Madd Squad put on a great show! I’m glad it wasn’t ‘all dubs all night’ – change is good! Frazah C-Lection is a quick talking and facety selector fun to watch. He wasn’t afraid to call out names and did just that – Polly Famous from LP International and Blacks from Black Reaction. Frazah is young, cocky and fit, but, still has a little ways to go being the newest member of Madd Squad Sound.
Big Up Frazah C-Lection for hosting this show! Big Up Striker and Froggy too! This was Frazah’s second appearance hosting Sound System Fridays, but, his first as a member of Madd Squad Sound. Be sure to catch the interview I did with him (near the end of the broadcast) as I asked him some challenging, yet provocative questions. Last but not least, Big Up Kafinal – this too was his second time performing on Sound System Fridays and he sounds better than ever (loved the Michael Jackson acapella)! Enjoy the Podcast!
This SSF show featured three sounds; MYSTIC Sound with DJ Tyrone + DJ Fabian, ECLIPSE Sound with DJ Mega, and SUPER FRESH Sound with DJ Prophet and Double Six… Our Sound System Fridays show was put
together at the last minute due to a cancellation. In the end, things worked out well. I would like to thank Mystic Sound, Super Fresh and Total Eclipse for coming through and for gracing our ReggaeMania Radio studio. All three Sounds had little prep time, but, managed to pull it off.
The night got off to a rocky start – tech wise. All of the laptops in the studio started to display problems. Super Fresh were up first – their laptop refused to load up. They later left the studio without rebooting it. Mystic’s computer did not read my Serato. I then hooked up their external drive to my Mac only to have it crash minutes later. It was time to start over, reboot…Things went smoothly from here on in. Mystic provided us with an entertaining thirty minute set – DJ Fabian at the controls and MC Tyrone showcasing his own stylee – swagga and comedy. A unique style, which, according to Tyrone, has been adapted by Polly Famous.
Super Fresh then did their interview. I invited them down to personally congratulate them on their performance at ‘Call Di Undataker’ – they won the first two rounds of a three round clash featuring the mighty Killamanjaro and LP International before popping down in the ‘chune fi chune’ round. Their performance was inspirational. Big Up Double Six and Prophet for passing through!
Next up, Total Eclipse featuring MC/DJ Mega. I hadn’t heard him play in years, he impressed me! Mega is a soft spoken individual, but, once he’s in front of CDJs and you hand him a mic, it’s over – he turns into a musical madman (with no disrespect!). Mega is a good story. After studying his craft and continuing to believe in himself, he has taken Total Eclipse Sound to a new level – from a basement Sound, to a Sound with a bright future. Enjoy the Podcast!
See Hot Pics – Redemption Reggae Festival (Day Two) @ Polson Pier 08.18.13
Enjoy these pics from Redemption Reggae Festival (Day Two) @ the Polson Pier Entertainment Complex 08.18.13 featuring Morgan Heritage and Beres Hammond! This was the only day that I could attend, there were no disappointments. I arrived at 5 PM and the venue was already packed, people continued to trickle in. Doors opened at 2 PM so I missed all of the opening acts. Even though I had my ticket for this event, I had no media pass – I was refused one by one of the reps at the gate. I had to hustle to get a media pass and was finally granted one with the help of Traffic Man Tony. Within minutes, I was at the front of the stage alongside Eddie Grant snapping pics.
Morgan Heritage performed an excellent 90 minute set covering all of their hits plus material from their new album. The fans loved them, and most would stay for the Beres Hammond performance that would follow (after a break for a band change). When Beres took the stage, it was to the delight of the 2500-3,000 plus fans inside the venue. Beres Hammond performed like it was his first year on the stage, never lacking in enthusiasm. His voice was on, complemented by three excellent back up vocalists and a very tight Harmony House Band. He performed hit after hit after hit, dancing, jumping in the air, stomping his feet, and even taking intermittent breaks to talk to his fans who’d paid between $60 to $100 (and more) to see him (and yes, $20 parking before a 10 minute walk to the venue). Beres did his traditional 90 minute show, and by 9:30 pm, he exited the stage and would not return for an encore. A good show, and another successful Toronto tour for Beres Hammond, truly one of the most talented of our living legends in reggae-dancehall. Enjoy the Pics!
See Hot Pics – Call Di Undataker @ 227 Lounge 08.17.13
Here is a quick synopsis of what happened at Call Di Undataker Sound clash @ 227 Lounge 08.17.13. The clash got underway at 12: 47 AM. Straws were drawn to determine the exact playing order of the Sounds. Super Fresh were up first, then LP International and Killamanjaro followed. Each Sound played a twenty-five minute set in the first round. The crowd of approximately 450 people were ready and set for the big ‘war’ to start! Super Fresh came hard in the first round, despite having to feel out the sound (at the controls) and the crowd. The audience was very receptive and Super Fresh played a solid first round, bringing the right vibes to the clash.
LP International was up next. Polly Famous ‘The General’ would sit this round out and observe his mates, Puma (owner) and Killa D (who had left this Sound, but, now is back) in action. Interestingly enough, LP didn’t touch the mic during this second round, but, were well received by the masses at the beginning. I wasn’t quite sure what their strategy was, I guess they thought that they could win the audience over by strictly playing chunes. When it comes to Sound clash – tunes and speech go hand in hand, there’s little room for experimentation when playing outside your home town. Perhaps this would have gone over well in New York, but, here in Etobicoke, it didn’t thus leading to a mediocre performance. We heard big chunes yes, but overall, the killing opportunity that we expected to be exploited by LP International didn’t happen, it’s almost as if they were content in letting that round go.
When Jaro, represented by Mophead and Freddy Krueger came out, there was a huge fanfare – almost like they were the ‘stars’ of the clash. The people were excited to see the big, bad Jaro in action. They found their confidence quick and soared, but, midway through their set, they started to level the vibes and just remained so. It seemed Jaro was a bit disorganised at times – their momentum coming off of round one was erratic. This is the break LP had hoped for – they studied Jaro’s playing style, dropping some traditional Jaro dubs leaving them frazzled.
At the end of the round, the vote was clear – Super Fresh took it. A great confidence booster for the homegrown Sound! Super Fresh then continued on from where they left off in round two. They overcame technical difficulties and ended up winning round two. They were well prepared and had a creative approach to their execution (a few customised dubs didn’t hurt either). LP International and Jaro are guilty of failing themselves in this round. Their performances were unsteady – great starts, but, things got a little sticky halfway through. LP’s performance peaked with a Chronixx dub that may have been the biggest forward in the clash. Jaro also had a few good moments, but, eventually, both Sounds lacked consistency and proper pacing. Both Sounds experienced thrilling highs and crushing lows – the mob wanted more from their Sounds.
Super Fresh was riding high, but, that came to a halt in round three. Something had gone wrong somewhere – when it was time to bring it, they couldn’t and lost the support of the massive (who may have already made up their minds not to make it a 3-0 score – (ending the clash) by giving Super Fresh that round. This was the round that LP (with mic man Polly Famous) had their best moments. They played a solid round and with a few customised dubs, had the crowd was now in sound clash paradise, vibes had tun up in the whole event, and home town selector Polly Famous was properly representing, as a Canadian, his foreign LP Sound. I thought at this point that the winner of Round 3 had to be LP – their round was that good. But then Jaro played and tore down the place, making up some lost ground from the first two rounds. They were turning over the place with customized dubs and anthems feturing artists like Super Cat that nobody else had, and their fan support was massive. The voting was clear after Round 3 – it was Jaro’s Round. The crowd loved them in Round 3 as they finally got the Jaro they had expected.
At this point and time, Super Fresh had won two rounds and Jaro, one. It escalated to a ten round ‘tune fi tune’. Jaro had the crowd in their hands and continued their momentum by winning the first five rounds. LP International took the next three rounds and Jaro won the last two rounds – ending the clash. There was no trophy given, but, it was Jaro’s championship. Congratulations to Killamanjaro – the Call Di Undataker champion and to Super Fresh for winning two of the three rounds! Congratulations also goes out to Polly Famous ‘The General’, he may not have won the clash, but, he worked tirelessly to put the event together and performed very well on the Canadian world stage! Enjoy the pics and audio!
This SSF show featured 3 Sounds: CUMTRAXX [MC Bones + DJ Dave + Stullen + Birdman], KILLAMANJARO Sound with Papa Jaro + MC Freddy Krueger + DJ Maphead. Polly Famous ‘The General’ reps LP
NTERNATIONAL…This was by far, one of my favourite Sound System Fridays shows! It featured Cumtraxx Sound with special guests Killamanjaro and LP International. Cumtraxx arrived late, but, got to work right away – tings heat up! This crew was hyped from the get go knowing that they would be playing alongside Jaro and LP. They set the tone for the night – pure clash vibes. Cumtraxx is a young Sound, but, don’t underestimate them. Even though they are still trying to find their place in the Sound clash fraternity, MC Bones and DJ Dave are ready, willing and able. Together, they compliment each other – this was evident throughout the night. They put on a solid show!
Big Up the whole Cumtraxx crew – Crazy Bones, Dave, Stullen and Birdman! Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to interview Cumtraxx Sound this time around due to time constraints – both guest Sounds still had to play. The vibes between Cumtraxx and myself were a likkle awkward at the beginning. A year ago, I found myself in a Brampton barber shop debating the name of their Sound with them. Who in the Dancehall scene would name their Sound ‘Cumtraxx’? I then learned that one of the owners last name is Cummings, hence, Cumtraxx – LOL! Oh what a night…the studio and hallway were packed and the vibes were jus’ right. Cumtraxx wanted to stay and play longer, but, had to hightail it out of there as they had a paying gig.
Next up – Killamanjaro! This Sound was repped by Papa Jaro (owner), Freddy Krueger and MapHead. Once they touched the mic and CDJs, tings blast off! Not only did Jaro drop wicked dubs, they got into the clash spirit too and started to trash talk individual members of Super Fresh and LP International – their adversaries for Call Di Undataker Sound clash the following night. It was all in good fun. The vibes in the studio were at an all time high and Jaro showed no signs of slowing down – they had a whole heap o’ dubs.
Last but not least, LP International – Polly Famous at the controls with Puma (owner) in the wings observing. Once Polly started, pure joke ting run. I couldn’t help myself, I was laughing my head off and I noticed Papa Jaro from time to time was too. That was the most I had seen Papa Jaro smile. Good for Polly!
When all was said and done, the show was a great success! The chat room participants who usually criticize one thing or another had nothing to come with. There were no guest artistes present, but, it really didn’t matter as the night belonged to the Sound systems. Our listenership and viewership numbers spiked – go figure! This always seems to happen when Polly Famous is playing. Big Up Cumtraxx, Killamanjaro and LP International – May the best Sound win! Big Up all the guests that passed through too – Michael ‘Stullarific’ Hazel, Angelina Montana (Rudeboy Sound), Mark A (clash critic – NY, see interview), Yutan, Fire Briggs, Chris Dubbs, Uncle Ice, David and the very beautiful, Delicate Fiinechina!
See Hot Pics – Jambana @ Markham Fair Grounds 08.05.13
I had a good time at Jambana! Good thing I had to arrive early as I heard way too many stories about how long it took to get in and out of Markham Fair Grounds. That aside, the event was a solid success in my opinion and the numbers were there (attendance wise) for Jones & Jones Productions to secure the grounds for next year’s event. It was just great to see such a massive congregation of people, united not by color or race, but, by music and culture originating from Canada and the Caribbean. The promoter couldn’t have asked for better weather – blue skies and sunshine. This helped make the Jambana experience!
Overall, things ran pretty smoothly – every artist, MC and hired hand who was scheduled to perform and/or work showed up and did what they were required to do without any major hiccups. I heard through the grapevine that there were a few guest artistes surprises in store for the massive, but, due to the traffic conditions (wait time to get in to the grounds and parking), they wouldn’t have made it on time. Next year, I hope they have a plan in place when it comes to street access and entering (parking) and exiting the grounds. The York Regional Police were in force directing the exiting traffic, but, some routes had been closed off (for what reason I do not know) causing bumper to bumper traffic and making it hard for anyone to exit in a timely fashion. It took some people over an hour to finally exit Markham Fair Grounds.
Parking was also an issue – $15 to park and not enough spaces. Drivers had little choice but to park on either side of the surrounding roads and/or local farmers fields. Another thing worth mentioning, the lack of garbage cans around the venue. There were a few here and there, but, not nearly enough for the amount of people expected. They were not properly place either. People had to walk far just to come across one and there wasn’t even one garbage can placed in and around the porta potties. Let’s hope this and the aforementioned get corrected for next year’s festivities!
Big Up all the performers, including Yellowman – who successfully topped the night off with a very energetic performance which the crowd loved! Nadine Sutherland was a different story – the crowd didn’t enjoy her show and had no problems telling her so when she addressed them and asked if they wanted to hear more. Even though many could be heard shouting “nooo”, Nadine, being the experienced pro that she is quickly replied “thank you” and proceeded to finish her show as planned. Ironically, Nadine performed very well in my opinion, but, her set was too long and she slid in a new R&B song she recently penned and the massive just wasn’t having it as it was the Reggae vibe that they were after. Yellowman was who the people wanted to see, Nadine was just a formality.
Big Up the Dynamic Dragonaires – a crowd favourite even without the late great Byron Lee (R.I.P.)! This band was tight and very entertaining! They played two sets and packed a powerful punch! Both sets featured the two lead singers in rotation – they performed original Dragonaires material as well as some covers of Reggae and Soca hits that still stand the test of time. Jambana wouldn’t have been the same without them. They have that crossover appeal and had the Jambana crowd in a frenzy throughout both sets. Given that, I hope Jones & Jones Productions invites them back again next year!
I also witnessed the set by Melanie Durrant – all I can say is weak! She was flat and off-key at times and didn’t really establish a connection with the audience. Speaking of…the crowd started to heckle her when it became obvious that she wasn’t up to par. Following Melanie was Ammoye – she put on a great show and earned back the respect of the massive! She, unlike Melanie, had a good performance experience and had the crowds undivided attention thanks to her sweet, smooth vocals and her backup singer. Ammoye came off as a very classy performer with sex appeal. Her set was geared towards a certain ‘vibe’ and even if some of the people didn’t know her music, they still loved her performance.
Big Up Steele – he delivered one of the most energetic shows of the day/night! He was jumping and dancing all around the stage and had the crowd engaged from the time he first stepped on to the stage. Steele is a veteran in this business and he proved it by putting on a heavy show from start to finish. I couldn’t say the same for Eyesus, who, along with Pat Kelly suffered during their sets as the backing band flopped and played the wrong chunes in the wrong order and yes, there were rehearsal sessions! Big Up to Chester Miller as well who performed a flawless tribute to ‘The Crown Prince of Reggae’ – Dennis Emmanuel Brown to the delight of the fans in the crowd! Nkrumah also performed well – his live performances and ‘set’ time will increase as he is given more opportunities – Big Up!
Big Up Jay Martin, Allan Jones, Luther Brown and Delroy G. who took turns MC’ing. Big Up Comedian/MC Oliver Samuels – who is always very funny and entertaining. He commented to the audience that he was “sure to get his money this time” because the venue was so packed. LOL! Big Up Mountain Edge Band who backed most of the artistes on the bill! Last but not least, Big Up Jones & Jones Productions – the team behind Jambana! Here’s to another successful year next year!
JAMBANA™, One Word Festival– MONDAY, August 5, 2013 @Markham Fairgrounds
The JAMBANA™, One World Festival returns August 5th, 2013 at a new location, Markham Fairgrounds (10801 McCowan Rd @Eglin Mills). “Markham Fairgrounds has been a welcoming venue and we are delighted to be housed in this BIGGER, BETTER venue”, says Jones & Jones President Denise Jones. Produced by Jones & Jones Productions Ltd., JAMBANA™ displays the vibrancy of Canada’s cultural mosaic in its finest form, through music, dance, food, culture, history, information and edutainment.
SHUTTLE SERVICE ADDED: JAMBANA™ will also be providing a shuttle service from Markville Mall to MFG from 10:30am-11:00pm. The JAMBANA™ shuttle bus service that will bring you right into the JAMBANA™ festival; a fun and convenient way to get your day started. $2.00 for a return ticket will get friends and family from Markville mall to Markham Fairgrounds (MFG). JAMBANA™ tickets can also be purchased on the JAMBANA™ shuttle buses.
Designed in the Village concept JAMBANA™ at MFG, will be non-stop family fun from start to finish. The Entertainment Village is one of our strongest line-ups ever. The phenomenal King Yellowman, a testament to survival, Grammy nominee has a string of hit songs along with female sensation Nadine Sutherland whose mega hit “Action” brought her global exposure. The JAMBANA™, One World Festival adds the smooth and silky voice of the classic styles of Pat Kelly. Chester Miller leads a sizzling tribute to the late great Prince of Reggae Denis Brown.
‘A fun-for-the-family day of food, music, dance, comedy, and good times, JAMBANA™ is the perfect way to spend your civic holiday. Partial proceeds will be donated to Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation, which continues to build basic schools in Jamaica.
Featured Attractions at the festival:
JAMBANA™ VIP VILLAGE:
VIP’s sit up front close to the stage, receive a meal, a drink and an exclusive sway bag with goodies from Appleton, HTB, Grace Kennedy, and Western Union. With tasty Jamaican food provided by two food vendors.
Food village:
In this section of the festival, everyone can come and enjoy a variety of foods from Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Jones & Jones Productions Ltd.: 6-295 Queen Street East, Suite 448, Brampton, ON L6W 4S6
Children’s village:
Includes face painting, balloon artists and rides. Parents can have an eye on their children as they rock to the rhythms of the JAMBANA™ main stage.
Travel and Trade village:
The travel and trade village is all about information. There to answer questions about financial planning, banking options, community organizations and global holiday destinations and events.
Health village: The focus of the health village is to provide information about diseases like Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, High Blood Pressure and Glaucoma. The goal is help shed some light on the benefits of staying healthy.
Education & Edutaiment Village: The education village features the work of Africans around the world over the last 400 years!
Junkanoo with origins in Ghana, Africa – Bahamian Junkanoo Legends will provide Edutainment plus AZANTO, dance which originated from a traditional dance called KPANLOGO.
The fun of humour and everyday activities guaranteed to “edutain”. International all African Inventors Museum, Vision in Green.
The day main stage performances of internationally acclaimed reggae bands and JUNO Award winners accompanied by the rhythms of Jazz and Gospel. Dance troupes and hilarious comedians provide the very best in entertainment. This year’s line-up includes: BYRON LEE’S DRAGONAIRES and the ST James Town steel band drop the hot rhythms of Soca and Calypso. Can Con will include: STEELE, AMOY and Mountain Edge. Caribbean King of Comedy Oliver Samuels is back again as JAMBANA™’s lead host. And as JAMBANA™ friends and family have come to expect – a special guest will be “Passing Through”.
The 2013 JAMBANA™, One World Festival will be another phenomenal event. Visit www.jambana.com for all information. Pricing: Tickets are available from numerous outlets across the GTA & ticketwindow.com
Advanced tickets: $7 | At the gate: $10 | Children under 7: free admission
VIP Village Admission: Tickets to the VIP Village include a meal, a drink and seating right up front.
Adults: $30 | Children 12 and under: $15
JAMBANA™ SPONSORS
TELEVISION: Global Toronto
RADIO: G98.7FM, CHIN 100.7FM
BLUE MOUNTAIN: DIGICEL
VIP VILLAGE: Western Union
ROCK STEADY: Sandals, Telehop, Victoria Mutual, Jamaica National
LOVER’S ROCK: Jamaica National Money Transfer
Media Contact: Kayla Thompson – kayla@jonesandjones.ca | Tel: 905.452.1911
For more information go to www.jambana.com or contact Jones & Jones Productions at 905-452-1911.
JAMBANA™ One World Festival
Monday Aug 5th | 12:00 PM-9:30 PM
@ Markham Fair Grounds
10801 McCowen Rd. @ Elgin Mills
JAMBANA is an exciting Fun for the Family event with the opportunity for socializing, networking and marketing with excellent entertainment, delicious food and delightful reunions! Seven Villages for your participation and enjoyment – Health, Food, Children’s, Domino, VIP, Travel Trade & More!
Your Musical Entertainment includes a line up of international, Grammy nominated and Canadian artists that will keep you entertained throughout the day. From Gospel to Reggae to Comedy, Edutainment, Soca and Calypso, JAMBANA™ has something for everyone.
Performers:
Yellowman – Grammy Nominee
Nadine Sutherland – “Action”
Dynamic Dragonaires – Ska to Soca
Pat Kelly – Classic
Oliver Samuels – Caribbean King of Comedy
St James Town Steel Band – Pantastic
Bahamian Junkanoo Legends – Edutainment – From the Continent to the diaspora
Steele – Sensational
Melanie Durrant – JUNO Nominee
Ammoye – JUNO Nominee
Nkrumah – Roots and Culture
Mountain Edge – Canada’s hardest working reggae band
Eyesus – Dancehall style
Donnette Thompson-Hall – Anointed Gospel
Dance Caribe – Island Rhythms
Carnival Spice
Dennis Brown Tribute – Chester Miller – Reggae Prince
DJ’s:
Rosa – Soul To Soul
Ron Nelson – Reggaemania.com – CHIN 100.7
D’Enforcas – Soak In The Soca – CHIN 100.7
MC’s:
Oliver Samuels
Jay Martin
Delroy G – G 98
Allan Jones – G 98
Luther Brown – CHRY 105.5
DIRECTIONS FROM WEST:
Take 401 to 404 NORTH (THE DVP BECOMES THE 404 N. OF 401), Exit on Elgin Mills Rd., go East (Right) on Elgin Mills Rd. to McCowen Rd. At McCowen Rd., make a Left – The Entrance to the Park is on the Right! Parking Available!
DIRECTIONS FROM EAST:
Take McCowen Rd. North to just N. of Elgin Mills Rd., and the entrance to the Park is right there on the Right.
Info: Jamabana.com
or 905.452.1911 | info@jambana.com
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See Hot Pics – Baby Cham @ Famous Nightclub 08.03.13
I enjoyed ‘Caribana Aftermath’ with Cham! Once again, it was Cham who proved to be the star of the evening – he is still one of the best live artistes in Dancehall today. Cham gave a first-class performance to the 600+ fans inside Famous Nightclub in Mississauga. He performed for an hour or so and touched all of his ‘classic’ chunes – the audience sang along with him which brought them all together, just like ‘one big family’!
Big Up Cham for mentioning all of the neighbourhoods in Toronto during his performance of the ‘Canadian’ version of ‘Lawless’ – the crowd loved it! I, on the other hand, thought it was a bit too much given the conflicting message! Overall, a great show! A good time was had by all! Enjoy the pics!
